A bright day with a bit of a breeze
blowing across the pitch west to east.
Contrary to the belief of certain
players who thought this would be easy. It certainly was not.
Saltburn failed to get out of first gear which was certainly not the
case from the opposition who wanted to prove a point in this local
derby match. New Marske were up for this game and were first to the
ball in most challenges on the ground and in the air. That said
there were very few chances at either end as defences dominated and
it was only towards half time that Saltburn had a clear chance but
the opposition keeper stood up well on a one to one situation .
Apart from the odd half chance there was very little to be said for
this first half performance. Credit to New Marske for their
determination and spirit. The second half began the same as the
first leading to extreme frustration for the Saltburn coaches and
manager. New Marske again made it difficult for Saltburn and
defended in numbers breaking quickly. Finally the deadlock was
broken and it was Saltburn who scored through top scorer Hudson who
had broken through on our left hand side and slipped the ball wide
of the keeper into the net. New Marske did not drop their heads and
continued with their determined attitude and deservedly equalised
when from a corner the Saltburn keeper failed to collect the ball
and virtually helped it into the net. The game was now on a knife
edge but minutes before the end of the game Whiley controlled a ball
from just outside the penalty area, took a few steps forward and hit
the ball goal wards. With a slight deflection the ball went past the
keepers right hand into the corner of the net. This was to be the
final result of 2-1 to Saltburn. Credit to New Marske who truthfully
deserved to take something from this game. Again it has to be said
the Saltburn back four were outstanding and a tireless display by
midfielder Whiley earned him man of the match. Josh Hudson continued
his scoring ways though had little opportunity during the game due
to some diligent defending. For Saltburn some players need to step
up a gear. This division will not be a walk over and every game will
be battled for and the players I hope now recognize this. Saltburn
remain top of the shop, undefeated, but will need to up there next
game versus Richmond (away).
